Department of Commerce: Newsroom Itemhttps://www.commerce.gov/feeds/news/opinion-editorials/2013/05
The most recent 20 items in this list.enReadout of Secretary Ross’s Meetings with Chinese Officials During East Asia Travelhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/readout-secretary-rosss-meetings-chinese-officials-during-east-asia
<p>Yesterday, Secretary Wilbur Ross and Ambassador Terry Branstad met separately with Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Wang Yang, MIIT Minister Miao Wei, NDRC Chairman He Lifeng, and Economy and Finance Director Liu He. The Secretary also met with Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan on Sunday evening.</p>
<p>The meetings provided opportunities to prepare the ground for President Trump’s planned visit to Asia later this fall and to engage in a friendly and honest exchange of views on a range of issues including the need to rebalance bilateral trade and investment relations, protect intellectual property, lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and guarantee fair and reciprocal treatment for U.S. firms. The Secretary highlighted his intention to lead a senior level trade mission to China in November and to reduce the trade deficit through increased exports of high-value U.S. goods and services to China and improved market access for U.S. firms.</p>
<p>Chinese officials committed to further market opening and welcomed participation by U.S. firms. Both sides expressed the view that bilateral trade frictions should be resolved through negotiation and commitment to high standards and good economic governance. Secretary Ross reiterated the need for concrete deliverables and meaningful action on key issues.</p>
<p>Chinese officials also expressed concern about U.S. export controls and also the Section 301 investigation being conducted by the United States Trade Representative.</p>
<p>In response, the Secretary relayed the ongoing concerns of the U.S. business community at forced technology transfers, data localization, and other intellectual property rights issues. Chinese officials asked Secretary Ross to inform them of any such issues to them as they arise, saying they would seek to resolve these challenges on behalf of American companies.</p>
<p>Chinese officials continually stressed that dialogue is preferable to unilateral action, saying that they would have to respond in kind to any potential action by the United States. Secretary Ross once again continued to stress the need for concrete action to address the concerns of U.S. businesses, and that the U.S. would take action to defend American workers and businesses if cooperative efforts bear no fruit.</p>
<p>Secretary Ross now travels on to Hong Kong, Thailand and Laos.</p>
Tue, 26 Sep 2017 09:11:29 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/readout-secretary-rosss-meetings-chinese-officials-during-east-asiaOp-Ed: These NAFTA Rules Are Killing Our Jobshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2017/09/op-ed-these-nafta-rules-are-killing-our-jobs
<p>By Wilbur Ross</p>
<p>As the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations unfold, there is a lot of loose talk being exchanged about automobile parts going back and forth among the United States, Canada and Mexico. NAFTA supporters assert that the U.S. content in cars assembled in Canada and Mexico is particularly high and that therefore our $70 billion-plus trade deficits with our NAFTA partners are not worrisome.</p>
<p>That would be a great argument if it were correct. But it isn’t. That argument is neither true of motor vehicles nor of manufactured goods in general.</p>
<p>A study to be <a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/us-produced-value-in-us-imports-from-nafta.pdf" target="_blank">released Friday</a> by Anne Flatness and Chris Rasmussen of the Office of Trade and Economic Analysis within the Commerce Department proves its falsity. The study, based on Trade in Value Added data recently released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, shows that between 1995, the year after NAFTA went into effect, and 2011, U.S. content of manufactured goods imported from Canada dropped significantly — from 21 percent to 15 percent. U.S. content in goods imported from Mexico fell even more — from 26 percent to 16 percent. The data is available only until 2011, but there is no reason to think that the situation has improved since then.</p>
<p>The numbers for the automobile industry specifically are similar — not surprising because automobiles account for <a href="https://bea.gov/scb/pdf/2015/01%20January/0115_international_transactions_tables.pdf" target="_blank">27 percent</a> of total imports from Canada and Mexico. Indeed, automobiles drive the U.S. trade deficit with those countries; the United States would enjoy a trade surplus with its NAFTA partners were it not for the trade deficit in autos and auto parts.</p>
<p>These data debunk the claim that U.S. content in the form of parts is so high that we shouldn’t worry about headline gross-deficit figures. Nor is this a trivial concern: Canada and Mexico combined are the largest source of manufactured products imported into the United States, accounting for nearly a quarter of our imports.</p>
<p>This problem is particularly troubling because the previous U.S. share of the content found in imports from Canada and Mexico is largely being absorbed by non-NAFTA trading partners, not by Canada and Mexico themselves. The share of content from foreign countries other than Canada and Mexico has almost doubled in our imports from Mexico, from 14 percent to 27 percent. The non-NAFTA content of our imports from Canada likewise rose, from 12 percent to 21 percent.</p>
<p>We cannot forget that the point of a free-trade agreement is to advantage those within the agreement — not to help outsiders. Instead, NAFTA has provided entry into a bigger market for outside countries, and the United States is paying the price. While NAFTA has achieved its goal of increasing three-way trade in absolute terms, American workers and businesses are not benefiting in a way that is fair and reciprocal.</p>
<p>What does this mean for U.S. jobs?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/27/business/economy/nafta-impact-industries-cars-agriculture-apparel-pharmaceuticals.html" target="_blank">Hundreds of thousands</a> of Americans go to work every day in the automobile manufacturing industry. The declining U.S. share of content in imports from Canada and Mexico puts those jobs at risk. The United States accounts for an overwhelming share of the total NAFTA auto market today — 83 percent, in fact — yet American workers are not reaping the benefits of that purchasing power.</p>
<p>So, why is this happening?</p>
<p>NAFTA included “rules of origin” provisions that were intended to restrict the non-NAFTA content in final goods. Yet the numbers above show that the opposite has, in fact, happened.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, NAFTA rules of origin on automobiles listed the exact parts to which the rules of origin applied, and many of those parts are no longer used. Another reason is that the rules include a concept called substantial transformation, which means that if further processing of a non-NAFTA item is done by a NAFTA partner, the non-NAFTA items are “transformed” and are deemed to have been produced in the United States, Canada or Mexico.</p>
<p>These facts are why U.S. Trade Representative <a href="https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/NAFTAObjectives.pdf" target="_blank">Robert E. Lighthizer</a> announced that two major objectives for NAFTA are raising the total NAFTA content requirement and raising the U.S. share of that requirement, especially in autos and auto parts.</p>
<p>Autos and auto parts are particularly important because our combined trade deficit in autos and auto parts from Canada and Mexico is $84.6 billion annually, which is the vast majority of our total trade in goods deficit with our neighbors. Only $14.6 billion of that deficit is offset by surpluses in other product categories. That is why we have a NAFTA net trade deficit in goods of $70 billion.</p>
<p>If we don’t fix the rules of origin, negotiations on the rest of the agreement will fail to meaningfully shift the trade imbalance. Our nation’s ballooning trade deficit has gutted American manufacturing, killed jobs and sapped our wealth. That is going to change under President Trump, and rules of origin are just the beginning.</p>
<p><em>Wilbur Ross is secretary of commerce.</em></p>
Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:14:24 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2017/09/op-ed-these-nafta-rules-are-killing-our-jobsTrade In Value Added: Declining U.S.-Produced Content in U.S. Imports from NAFTAhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/trade-value-added-declining-us-produced-content-us-imports-nafta
<p>It has been widely assumed that American-made parts and components constitute a substantial percentage of the products that are manufactured in Mexico and Canada and imported by the United States.</p>
<p>But that is increasingly not the case.</p>
<p><a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/us-produced-value-in-us-imports-from-nafta.pdf" target="_blank">Analysis of newly released “value-added” data</a> from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that the share of U.S.-produced content in manufactured imports from Mexico and Canada has eroded significantly since the mid-1990s.</p>
<p>The share of U.S.-produced content incorporated in manufactured goods imported by the United States from Mexico was only 16 percent in 2011, down from 26 percent in 1995, the first year for which the data are available.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the share of Chinese content in Mexican products imported by the United States increased from 0.3 percent in 1995 to 6 percent in 2011, and the share of content from all non-NAFTA sources increased from 14 percent to 27 percent.</p>
<p>The same holds true with Canada: The share of U.S. parts and components in imports from Canada fell from 21 percent in 1995 to 15 percent in 2011, while the share of Chinese content increased from 0.3 percent to 3 percent, and the share of content from all non-NAFTA sources increased from 12 percent to 21 percent.</p>
<p>“The declining share of American parts and components in imports from Mexico and Canada is all the more reason for us to take a fresh look at NAFTA,” said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “The assumption was that American manufacturers of intermediate goods were big beneficiaries from trade with NAFTA, but with their share declining, American companies are not benefiting nearly as much as once believed. Even more alarming is the fact that the most recent data available on value-added in trade is only through the year 2011. The trend of Mexico and Canada using more non-U.S.-made parts and components may mean even more bad news for American producers.”</p>
Fri, 22 Sep 2017 07:37:50 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/trade-value-added-declining-us-produced-content-us-imports-naftaU.S Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on Proposed Rules for 911 Grant Programhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-seeks-comment-proposed-rules-911-grant-program
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the issuing of a <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/09/21/2017-19944/911-grant-program" target="_blank">notice of proposed rulemaking</a> that outlines implementing regulations for the 911 Grant Program.</p>
<p>This program, which is jointly administered by the Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will offer up to $110 million in grant funds intended to help states and local jurisdictions upgrade their 911 call centers to Next Generation 911 capabilities. The grants will support the transition of Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) and their interconnecting 911 network and core services, and facilitate implementation of IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by NG911 services.</p>
<p>“Today’s notice is an important step for the 911 Grant Program that will modernize antiquated 911 services across the country,” said Secretary Ross. “Next Generation 911 will save lives by being faster and more reliable, and by better connecting first responders to key health and government services in the event of an emergency.”</p>
<p>All members of the public, including the 911 community, are encouraged to provide written comments on the proposed rule. Comments must be received by Monday, November 6, 2017. You may submit comments online through the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/" target="_blank">Federal eRulemaking Portal</a> or by mail: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Attn: NG911 Grant Program, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4076, Washington, DC 20230. Additional instructions for commenters can be found in the notice.</p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<p>Today, about 70 percent of all 911 calls annually are placed from wireless phones, and most PSAPs rely on decades-old, narrowband, circuit-switched networks capable of carrying only voice calls and very limited amounts of data. Advances in consumer technology offering capabilities such as text messaging and video communications have quickly outpaced those of PSAPs, which often cannot support callers who wish to send text messages, images, video, and other communications that utilize large amounts of data.</p>
<p>Using these multiple formats NG911 enables 911 calls to contain real-time caller location and emergency information, improve coordination among the nation’s PSAPs, dynamically re-route calls based on location and PSAP congestion, and connect first responders to key health and government services in the event of an emergency.</p>
<p>In 2009, The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversaw more than $40 million in grants through the ENHANCE-911 (E911) Grant Program. The Next Generation 911 Advancement Act of 2012 provided new funds for the program and broadened the eligible uses of those funds. These new uses include adoption and operation of NG911 services and applications; the implementation of IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by NG911 services; the establishment of IP backbone networks; and training of public safety personnel in 911 services.</p>
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 14:37:01 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-seeks-comment-proposed-rules-911-grant-programJoint Press Statement from Secretary Ross and Commissioner Jourova on the Privacy Shield Review https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/joint-press-statement-secretary-ross-and-commissioner-jourova-privacy
<p>This week, officials from across the United States Government, the European Commission, and EU data protection authorities gathered in Washington, DC to conduct the first annual review of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework established in 2016. </p>
<p>This first annual review marks an important milestone for the Framework and for U.S.-EU cooperation on data protection issues. The Privacy Shield raised the bar for transatlantic data protection by ensuring that participating companies and relevant public authorities provide a high level of data protection for EU individuals.</p>
<p>Since the program’s inception, over 2,400 organizations have joined the Privacy Shield. U.S. and EU officials welcomed the information shared by Privacy Shield participants on Framework compliance, and by civil society and independent recourse mechanism providers. Officials noted that this input greatly informed the review process and will lead to continued improvements to the functioning of the program.</p>
<p>The review examined all aspects of the administration and enforcement of the Privacy Shield, including commercial and national-security related matters, as well as broader U.S. legal developments. Participants also discussed their respective work to implement the Privacy Shield program during its inaugural year, recognizing the value of regular communication between U.S. and EU authorities.</p>
<p>The United States and the European Union share an interest in the Framework’s success and remain committed to continued collaboration to ensure it functions as intended.</p>
Wed, 20 Sep 2017 20:54:53 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/joint-press-statement-secretary-ross-and-commissioner-jourova-privacyU.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-0
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India received countervailable subsidies of 33.31 to 35.69 percent, and 3.04 percent and 8.09 percent, respectively. </p>
<p>The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India based on these preliminary rates.</p>
<p>“The Trump Administration will not sit back and watch as American companies and workers are harmed by unfair government subsidies,” <strong>said Secretary Ross.</strong> “The United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade, and will continue to validate the information provided to us that brought us to this decision.”</p>
<p>In 2016, cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India were valued at an estimated $29.4 million and $25 million, respectively.</p>
<p>The petitioners are ArcelorMittal Tubular Products (OH), Michigan Seamless Tube, LLC (MI), PTC Alliance Corp. (PA), Webco Industries, Inc. (OK), and Zekelman Industries, Inc. (PA).</p>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through September 18, the Commerce Department has initiated 65 antidumping (AD) and CVD investigations – a 48 percent increase over the previous year. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations. The Commerce Department currently maintains 411 AD and CVD duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>CVD laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. </p>
<p>Unless the final determination is aligned with the concurrent antidumping duty investigations, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determinations on December 4, 2017.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department makes an affirmative final determination of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue a CVD order. If the Commerce Department makes a negative final determination of subsidization or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwOTE5Ljc4MzYwMTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDkxOS43ODM2MDE0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTUyNzMxJmVtYWlsaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-cold-drawn-mechanical-tubing-cvd-prelim-091917.pdf" style="-ms-word-break:break-all; word-break:break-word; -webkit-hyphens:none; -moz-hyphens:none; hyphens:none; color:blue; text-decoration:underline">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international rules and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Imports from companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments in the form of grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
<p>In fiscal year 2016, the United States collected $1.5 billion in duties on $14 billion of imported goods found to be underpriced, or subsidized by foreign governments.</p>
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 19:41:01 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-0International Visitors Spend More than $20 Billion in Julyhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/international-visitors-spend-more-20-billion-july
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that international visitors spent an estimated $21.2 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of July, an increase of more than 4 percent when compared to July 2016. </p>
<p><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwOTE5Ljc4MzUzNzkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDkxOS43ODM1Mzc5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTUyNjkzJmVtYWlsaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/Monthly_Exports_Imports_Balance.xlsx" style="-ms-word-break:break-all; word-break:break-word; -webkit-hyphens:none; -moz-hyphens:none; hyphens:none; color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Travel and tourism-related exports </a>have exhibited growth each month of 2017. </p>
<p>“It is a pleasure to announce that international visitors spent more in the United States in 2017 than any other period in history, and that if this trend continues 2017 will be a record setting year,” <strong>said Secretary Ross. </strong>“The Trump Administration is unequivocally committed to ensuring that United States continues to be a premier destination for visitors from around the globe.”</p>
<p>International visitors spent nearly $146.3 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date (January through July 2017), an increase of 3 percent when compared to 2016. </p>
<p>“It is clear that the United States travel and tourism industry remains a strong engine for growth and job creation,” <strong>continued Secretary Ross. </strong>“This proves that international travelers know that the safety enhancements introduced by the Trump Administration are far more important than the processing inconveniences from them.”</p>
<p>The growth of visitor spending in the United States during 2017 reverses the drop in 2016 when monthly U.S. travel and tourism exports, as well as international arrivals, declined for nine consecutive months (April 2016 through the end of the year.)</p>
<p>Composition of Monthly Spending (Exports):</p>
<ul>
<li>Travel Receipts: Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $13.1 billion during July, an increase of nearly 2 percent when compared to the previous year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel. Travel receipts accounted for 62 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during July 2017.</li>
<li>Passenger Fare Receipts: Fares received by U.S. carriers from international visitors totaled $3.3 billion for the month, an increase of nearly 6 percent when compared to July 2016 and the largest monthly increase since November 2014. Passenger fare receipts accounted for 16 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during the month.</li>
<li>Medical/Education/Short-Term Worker: Expenditures for educational and health-related tourism, along with all expenditures by border, seasonal, and other short-term workers, totaled $4.8 billion in July, an increase of 10 percent when compared to the previous year. Medical tourism, education, and short-term worker receipts accounted for 23 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports during July 2017.</li>
</ul>
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:50:11 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/international-visitors-spend-more-20-billion-julyU.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstanhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailing-0
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being unfairly dumped in the United States, and whether producers in Kazakhstan are receiving alleged unfair subsidies.</p>
<p>“The Department of Commerce intends to act swiftly to halt any unfair trade practices and will render our decisions at the earliest opportunity, while also assuring a full and fair assessment of the facts,” said Secretary Ross. “The U.S. market is the most open in the world, but we must take action to ensure U.S. businesses and workers are treated fairly.”</p>
<p>These AD and CVD investigations were initiated based on petitions filed by Titanium Metals Corporation (a.k.a., TIMET) (PA) on August 24, 2017. The estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioner range from 66.69 percent to 95.2 percent for Japan and 42.22 percent for Kazakhstan, and the unfair subsidies are estimated to be above de minimis, that is, one percent or greater for Kazakhstan.</p>
<p>In the AD investigation, the Commerce Department will determine whether imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being sold in the U.S. market at less than fair value. </p>
<p>In the CVD investigation, the Commerce Department will determine whether Kazakhstan producers of titanium sponge are receiving countervailable government subsidies.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department determines that titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan are being dumped into the U.S. market and Kazakhstan is receiving unfair government subsidies, and if the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determines that dumped and/or unfairly subsidized U.S. imports of titanium sponge from Japan and/or Kazakhstan are causing injury to the U.S. industry, the Commerce Department will impose duties on those imports in the amount of dumping and/or unfair subsidization found to exist.</p>
<p>From January 20, 2017, through September 14, the Commerce Department has initiated 65 AD and CVD investigations – a 48 percent increase over the previous year. The Commerce Department currently maintains 411 AD and CVD duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan were valued at an estimated $144.8 million and $374 thousand, respectively.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-multiple-titanium-sponge-ad-cvd-initiation-091417.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on these initiations.</p>
<p><strong>Next Steps:</strong></p>
<p>During the Commerce Department’s investigations into whether titanium sponge is being dumped and/or unfairly subsidized, the ITC will conduct its own investigations into whether the U.S. industry and its workforce are being harmed by such imports. The ITC will make its preliminary determinations on or before October 10. If the ITC preliminarily determines that there is injury or threat of injury, then the Commerce Department investigations will continue, with a preliminary CVD determination scheduled for November 2017 and preliminary AD determinations scheduled for January 2018, unless these deadlines are extended.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department preliminarily determines that dumping or unfair subsidization is occurring, then it will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to start collecting cash deposits from all U.S. companies importing the subject titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan.</p>
<p>Final determinations by the Commerce Department in these cases are scheduled for January 2018 for the CVD investigation, and April 2018 for the AD investigation, but those dates may be extended. If either the Commerce Department finds that products are not being dumped or unfairly subsidized, or the ITC finds in its final determinations there is no harm to the U.S. industry, then the investigations will be terminated and no duties will be applied.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to “antidumping duties.” Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs, are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:22:47 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailing-0U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Tool Chests and Cabinets from the People&#039;s Republic of Chinahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing
<p>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation, finding that exporters of tool chests and cabinets from China received countervailable subsidies ranging from 17.32 percent to 32.07 percent. </p>
<p>The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of tool chests and cabinets from China based on these preliminary rates.</p>
<p>“The subsidization of goods by foreign governments is something the Trump Administration takes very seriously,”<strong> said Secretary Ross. </strong>“The Department of Commerce will continue to stand up for American workers and business’s in order to ensure that China does not take advantage of the most open market in the world.”</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of tool chests and cabinets from China were valued at an estimated $989.9 million. </p>
<p>The petitioner is Waterloo Industries, Inc. (MO). </p>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through September 11, 2017, Commerce has initiated 62 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 41 percent increase over the previous year. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations.</p>
<p>CVD laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. The Commerce Department currently maintains 407 antidumping and CVD orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Unless the final determination is aligned with the concurrent antidumping duty investigations, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determinations on November 22, 2017.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department makes an affirmative final determination of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue a CVD order. If the Commerce Department makes a negative final determination of subsidization or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwOTEyLjc4MDMzMTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDkxMi43ODAzMzE2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTUwOTAwJmVtYWlsaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9a2NwdWxsZW5AZG9jLmdvdiZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/tool_chests_and_cabinets_prc_cvd_prelim_fact_sheet.pdf" style="-ms-word-break:break-all; word-break:break-word; -webkit-hyphens:none; -moz-hyphens:none; hyphens:none; color:blue; text-decoration:underline">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international rules and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Imports from companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments in the form of grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
<p>In fiscal year 2016, the United States collected $1.5 billion in duties on $14 billion of imported goods found to be underpriced, or subsidized by foreign governments.</p>
Tue, 12 Sep 2017 12:27:28 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailingU.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirateshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-antidumping-duty
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</p>
<p>“The dumping of goods below market value in the United States is something the Trump Administration takes very seriously,” said Secretary Ross. The Department of Commerce will continue to stand up for American workers and business’s in order to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field.”</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce determined that exporters from Belarus have sold carbon and alloy steel wire rod in the United States at 280.02 percent. The Department determined that exporters from Russia have sold carbon and alloy steel wire rod in the United States at 436.80 percent to 756.93 percent less than fair value based on factual evidence provided by the interested parties. The Department determined that exporters from the UAE have sold carbon and alloy steel wire rod in the United States at 84.10 percent less than fair value based on factual evidence provided by the interested parties.</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce based these rates on adverse facts available due to the failure by the Belarusian, Russian and UAE companies to respond to requests for information. Since the companies under investigation did not provide the information necessary to determine the level of dumping, the Commerce Department relied on the information provided in the U.S. industry’s petitions, in accordance with its longstanding practice.</p>
<p>Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Belarus, Russia, and the UAE based on these preliminary rates.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Belarus, Russia, and the UAE were valued at an estimated $10.4 million, $32.3 million, and $7 million, respectively. </p>
<p>The petitions were filed on behalf of Gerdau Ameristeel US, Inc. (Tampa, Fla.), Nucor Corporation (Charlotte, N.C.), Keystone Consolidated Industries (Dallas, Texas), and Charter Steel (Saukville, Wisc.). </p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-multiple-carbon-alloy-steel-wire-rod-ad-prelim-090617.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p><strong>NEXT STEP:</strong></p>
<p>The Department of Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final AD determinations on November 21.</p>
<p>The U.S. International Trade Commissions (ITC) is conducting parallel investigations to determine if the American producers have been harmed by the carbon and alloy steel wire rod imports from Belarus, Russia, and/or the UAE. If the Commerce Department’s final determinations are affirmative, and the ITC makes affirmative final injury determinations, the Commerce Department will issue antidumping orders. If the ITC does not find that U.S. producers have been harmed, then the investigations will end, and no duties will be collected.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process grounded in U.S. law that reflects international rules and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to AD.</p>
<p>Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments in the form of grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs are subject to “countervailing duties” (CVD) aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
<p>From January 20, 2017, through September 6, 2017, Commerce has initiated 62 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 41 percent increase over the previous year. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations. Commerce currently maintains 407 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 22:13:50 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-antidumping-dutyU.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from China and Indiahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailing
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in China and India are receiving alleged unfair subsidies.</p>
<p>“The Department will act swiftly, while assuring a full and fair assessment of the facts, to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field,” said Secretary Ross. “The Trump administration will defend American workers and businesses with every tool at our disposal.”</p>
<p>These AD and CVD investigations were initiated based on petitions filed by the Coalition of American Flange Producers and its individual members: Core Pipe Products, Inc. (Carol Stream, Ill.) and Maass Flange Corporation (Houston, Texas) on August 16. The estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioners range from 99.23 to 257.11 percent and 78.49 percent to 145.25 percent for China and India, respectively. The unfair subsidies alleged by the petitioners are estimated to be above de minimis.</p>
<p>In the AD investigation, the Commerce Department will determine whether imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped in the U.S. market at less than fair value. </p>
<p>In the CVD investigations, the Commerce Department will determine whether Chinese and Indian producers of stainless steel flanges are receiving unfair government subsidies.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department determines that stainless steel flanges from China and India are being dumped into the U.S. market and/or receiving unfair government subsidies, and if the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determines that dumped and/or unfairly subsidized U.S. imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India are causing injury to the U.S. industry, the Commerce Department will impose duties on those imports in the amount of dumping and/or unfair subsidization found to exist.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of stainless steel flanges from China and India were valued at an estimated $16.3 million and $32.1 million, respectively.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-stainless-steel-flanges-ad-cvd-initiations-090617.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on these initiations.</p>
<p>Next Steps:</p>
<p>During the Commerce Department’s investigations into whether stainless steel flanges are being dumped and/or unfairly subsidized, the ITC will conduct its own investigations into whether the U.S. industry and its workforce are being harmed by such imports. The ITC will make its preliminary determinations on or before October 2. If the ITC preliminarily determines that there is injury or threat of injury, then the Commerce Department investigations will continue, with a preliminary CVD determination scheduled for November 2017, and a preliminary AD determination scheduled for January 2018, unless these deadlines are extended. </p>
<p>If the Commerce Department preliminarily determines that dumping or unfair subsidization is occurring, then it will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to start collecting cash deposits from all U.S. companies importing the subject stainless steel flanges from China and India.</p>
<p>Final determinations by the Commerce Department in these cases are scheduled for January 2018 for the CVD investigations, and April 2018 for the AD investigations, but those dates may be extended. If the Commerce Department finds that products are not being dumped or unfairly subsidized, or the ITC finds in its final determinations there is no harm to the U.S. industry, then the investigations will be terminated and no duties will be collected.</p>
<p>From January 20, 2017, through September 6, 2017, Commerce has initiated 62 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 41 percent increase over the previous year. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations. Commerce currently maintains 407 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to “antidumping duties.” Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs, are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 22:07:50 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailingU.S. Department of Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Imports of Uncoated Groundwood Paper from Canadahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailing
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the initiation of new antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations to determine whether imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada are being dumped in the United States, and whether producers in Canada are receiving alleged unfair subsidies.</p>
<p>“The United States is dedicated to free, fair, and reciprocal trade with Canada, and guarantees that this case will be decided strictly on a full and fair assessment of the facts,” said Secretary Ross. “The Trump administration is committed to enforcing America’s vital trade laws to ensure U.S. businesses and workers have a fair chance to compete.”</p>
<p>These AD and CVD investigations were initiated based on petitions filed by North Pacific Paper Company (Longview, Wash.) on August 9. The estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioner range from 23.45 to 54.97 percent and the unfair subsidies are estimated to be above de minimis.</p>
<p>In the AD investigation, the Commerce Department will determine whether imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada are being dumped in the U.S. market at less than fair value.</p>
<p>In the CVD investigation, the Commerce Department will determine whether Canadian producers of uncoated groundwood paper are receiving unfair government subsidies.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department determines that uncoated groundwood paper from Canada is being dumped into the U.S. market and/or receiving unfair government subsidies, and if the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determines that dumped and/or unfairly subsidized U.S. imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada are causing injury to the U.S. industry, the Commerce Department will impose duties on those imports in the amount of dumping and/or unfair subsidization found to exist.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada were valued at an estimated $1.27 billion. </p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-canada-uncoated-groundwood-paper-ad-cvd-initiations-083017.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on these initiations.</p>
<p><strong>Next Steps:</strong></p>
<p>During the Commerce Department’s investigations into whether uncoated groundwood paper is being dumped and/or unfairly subsidized, the ITC will conduct its own investigations into whether the U.S. industry and its workforce are being harmed by such imports.&amp; The ITC will make its preliminary determinations on or before September 25. If the ITC preliminary determines that there is injury or threat of injury, then the Commerce Department investigations will continue, with a preliminary CVD determination scheduled for November 2017 and a preliminary AD determination scheduled for January 2018, unless these deadlines are extended.</p>
<p>If the Commerce Department preliminary determines that dumping or unfair subsidization is occurring, then it will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to start collecting cash deposits from all U.S. companies importing the subject uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.</p>
<p>Final determinations by the Commerce Department in these cases are scheduled for January 2018 for the CVD investigation, and April 2018 for the AD investigation, but those dates may be extended. If the Commerce Department finds that products are not being dumped or unfairly subsidized, or the U.S. International Trade Commission finds in its final determinations there is no harm to the U.S. industry, then the investigations will be terminated and no duties will be applied collected.</p>
<hr />
<p>From January 20, 2017, through August 29, 2017, Commerce has initiated 58 AD and CVD investigations. Commerce currently maintains 407 AD and CVD duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to “antidumping” duties. Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs, are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
Wed, 30 Aug 2017 20:08:29 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-initiates-antidumping-duty-and-countervailingStatement from Secretary Wilbur Ross on President Trump’s Tax Reform Planhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/statement-secretary-wilbur-ross-president-trumps-tax-reform-plan
<p>"Once again President Trump is delivering on his promises. The president's tax plan will put more money in every working family's pocket, bring back cash that is trapped overseas, and help convince both American and foreign businesses to build their next plants here. It will unshackle American businesses, which are hobbled on the world stage by an oppressive corporate tax rate that is the highest in the developed world. Under President Trump's leadership, the American Dream will be restored for everyone." </p>
Wed, 30 Aug 2017 15:43:07 -0400abowman@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/statement-secretary-wilbur-ross-president-trumps-tax-reform-planU.S. Secretary of Commerce Announces the Postponement of the Final Determination in the AD and CVD Investigation of Imports of Softwood Lumber from Canadahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-secretary-commerce-announces-postponement-final-determination-ad-and
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has postponed the final determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of softwood lumber from Canada until no later than November 14, 2017.</p>
<p>“I remain hopeful that we can reach a negotiated solution that satisfies the concerns of all parties,” said <strong>Secretary Ross.</strong> “This extension could provide the time needed to address the complex issues at hand and to reach an equitable and durable suspension agreement.”</p>
<p>Given the complexity of these investigations and ongoing discussions between the Governments of the United States and Canada focusing on a durable solution to this long-standing trade dispute, the final determinations in these investigations have been postponed. As a result, the deadline to issue the final determinations will be announced no later than November 14, 2017. Under U.S. law, Commerce may postpone an AD final determination for a total of 135 days after the publication of the AD preliminary determination. Further, because the CVD investigation has been aligned with the AD investigation, that final determination will also be announced no later than November 14, 2017. </p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<p>On April 28, 2017, and June 30, 2017, respectively, Commerce published its preliminary determinations in the CVD and AD investigations of softwood lumber from Canada. The U.S. International Trade Commissions (ITC) is conducting a parallel investigation to determine if the American producers have been harmed by the softwood lumber imports from Canada. If the Commerce Department’s final determinations are affirmative, and the ITC makes an affirmative final injury determination, the Commerce Department will issue AD and CVD orders. If the ITC does not find that U.S. producers have been harmed, then the investigations will end, and no duties will be collected.</p>
Mon, 28 Aug 2017 19:04:12 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-secretary-commerce-announces-postponement-final-determination-ad-andU.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determinations on Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesiahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-1
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, finding that exporters of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia received countervailable subsidies of 50.29 to 64.17 percent and 41.06 to 68.28 percent, respectively. Commerce also determined that critical circumstances exist in the Argentina investigation, allowing for collection of duties for a retroactive period of 90 days prior to publication of the preliminary determination in the Federal Register.</p>
<p>“The U.S. values its relationships with Argentina and Indonesia, but even friendly nations must play by the rules,” said Secretary Ross. “The subsidization of goods by foreign governments is something that the Trump administration takes very seriously, and we will continue to evaluate and verify the accuracy of this preliminary determination.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia based on the above preliminary rates.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia were valued at an estimated $1.2 billion and $268 million, respectively.</p>
<p>The petitioner is the National Biodiesel Fair Trade Coalition, an ad hoc association composed of the National Biodiesel Board and 15 domestic producers of biodiesel.</p>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20 through August 22, Commerce initiated 56 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 27 percent increase from the previous year. For the same time period in 2016, Commerce had initiated 44 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.</p>
<p>Countervailing duty laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 404 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Unless the final determinations are postponed, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determinations on November 7.</p>
<p>If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue CVD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of subsidization or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-multiple-biodiesel-cvd-prelim-082217.pdf">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 17:03:22 -0400abowman@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-1U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil From the People&#039;s Republic of Chinahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-0
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of aluminum foil from the People’s Republic of China (China), preliminary finding that Chinese exporters of aluminum foil received countervailing subsidies 16.56 to 80.97 percent.</p>
<p>The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of aluminum foil from China based on these preliminary rates.</p>
<p>“The United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade, and will continue to validate the information provided to us that brought us to this decision,” said Secretary Ross. “The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as harmful trade practices from foreign nations attempt to take advantage of our essential industries, workers, and businesses.”</p>
<p>Commerce calculated preliminary subsidy rates of 28.33 percent ad valorem for Dingsheng Aluminum Industries (Hong Kong) Trading Co., Ltd, 16.56 percent for Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., Ltd., the two companies that ultimately participated in the proceeding. </p>
<p>Loften Aluminum (Hong Kong) Limited refused to participate in this investigation. Manakin Industries LLC claimed to only be an importer; however, our analysis also revealed that Manakin Industries LLC and Suzhou Manakin Aluminum Processing Technology Co., Ltd. (Suzhou Manakin) worked jointly to export Chinese aluminum foil to the United States. In addition, the Department requested necessary information from Suzhou Manakin regarding its Chinese suppliers, but this information was not provided. All three of these companies’ preliminary subsidy rates were thus determined entirely on the basis of adverse facts available due to their failure to provide necessary information requested by the Department.</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of aluminum foil from China were valued at an estimated $389 million.</p>
<p>This marks the first time that The Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group has been a petitioner in an enforcement and compliance trade case.</p>
<p>This countervailing duty case against aluminum foil from China is independent of the <a href="//www.commerce.gov/page/section-232-investigation-effect-imports-aluminum-us-national-security">Aluminum 232</a> investigation, launched on April 27, 2017, to consider whether aluminum overcapacity, dumping, illegal subsidies, and other factors, threaten American economic security and military preparedness.</p>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20 through August 8, Commerce has initiated 64 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 40 percent increase from the previous year. For the same time period in 2016, Commerce had initiated 40 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.</p>
<p>Countervailing duty laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 404 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Unless the final determination is postponed, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determination on October 24.</p>
<p>If Commerce makes an affirmative final determination of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue a CVD order. If Commerce makes a negative final determination of subsidization or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-prc-aluminum-foil-cvd-prelim-080817.pdf" target="_blank" title="Opens In New Window">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments in the form of grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs are subject to “countervailing duties” aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
<p>In fiscal year 2016, the United States collected $1.5 billion in duties on $14 billion of imported goods found to be underpriced or subsidized by foreign governments.</p>
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:11:03 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing-0U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determinations of Silicon Metal from Australia, Brazil, and Kazakhstanhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailing
<p>Today,<strong> </strong>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan, preliminarily finding that silicon metal exporters from these markets received countervailable subsidies of 16.23 percent, 3.69 to 52.07 percent, and 120 percent, respectively.</p>
<p>The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan based on these preliminary rates.</p>
<p>“We will continue to review all information related to this preliminary determination,” said Secretary Ross. “The Trump Administration remains vigilant against foreign actors that take advantage of American workers and businesses.”</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan were valued at an estimated $33.9 million, $60.0 million, and $17.5 million, respectively.</p>
<p>The petitioner is Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. The company has production facilities located in Alabama, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.</p>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20 through August 8, Commerce initiated 64 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 40 percent increase from the previous year. For the same time period in 2016, Commerce had initiated 40 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. </p>
<p>Countervailing duty laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 403 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Unless the final determinations are postponed, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determinations on December 19.</p>
<p>If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue CVD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of subsidization or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-multiple-silicon-metal-cvd-prelim-080817.pdf" style="-ms-word-break:break-all; word-break:break-word; -webkit-hyphens:none; -moz-hyphens:none; hyphens:none; color:blue; text-decoration:underline">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments in the form of grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks and production inputs are subject to “countervailing duties” (CVD) aimed at directly countering those subsidies.</p>
<p>In fiscal year 2016, the United States collected $1.5 billion in duties on $14 billion of imported goods found to be underpriced or subsidized by foreign governments.</p>
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:57:02 -0400abowman@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/08/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-preliminary-countervailingFree-Trade is a Two-Way Streethttps://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2017/08/free-trade-two-way-street
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/swr_1200x630_high.jpg?itok=WZqAkhBt" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross at The White House" title="U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross at The White House" /></span>
<p>The Trump administration last week celebrated the workers and businesses that make this country great. The purpose of “Made in America Week” was to recognize that, when given a fair chance to compete, Americans can make and sell some of the best, most innovative products in the world.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many governments across the globe have pursued policies that put American workers and businesses at a disadvantage. For these governments, President Trump and his administration have a clear message: It is time to rebalance your trade policies so that they are fair, free and reciprocal.</p>
<p>Many nations express commitment to free markets while criticizing the U.S. for what they characterize as a protectionist stance. Yet these very nations engage in unfair trading practices, erect barriers to American exports, and maintain significant trade surpluses with us. They argue that our $752.5 billion trade deficit in goods last year was simply a natural and inevitable consequence of free trade. So, they contend, America should have no complaints.</p>
<p>Our major trading partners issue frequent statements regarding their own free-trade bona fides, but do they practice what they preach? Or are they protectionists dressed in free-market clothing?</p>
<p>When it comes to trade in goods, our deficits with China and the EU are $347 billion and $146.8 billion, respectively. As the nearby chart shows, China’s tariffs are higher than those of the U.S. in 20 of the 22 major categories of goods. Europe imposes higher tariffs than the U.S. in 17 of 22 categories, though the chart does show that the EU and China are much different regarding tariff rates.</p>
<p>The EU charges a 10% tariff on imported American cars, while the U.S. imposes only a 2.5% tariff on imported European cars. Today Europe exports 1.14 million automobiles to the U.S., nearly four times as many as the U.S. exports to Europe. China, which is the world’s largest automobile market, has a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and imposes even higher tariffs on luxury vehicles.</p>
<p>In addition to tariffs, both China and Europe enforce formidable nontariff trade barriers against imports. Examples include onerous and opaque procedures for registering and gaining certification for imports; unscientific sanitary rules, especially with regard to agricultural goods; requirements that companies build local factories; and forced technology transfers. The list goes on.</p>
<p>Both China and Europe also bankroll their exports through grants, low-cost loans, energy subsidies, special value-added tax refunds, and below-market real-estate sales and leases, among other means. Comparable levels of government support do not exist in the U.S. If these countries really are free traders, why do they have such formidable tariff and nontariff barriers?</p>
<p>Until we make better deals with our trading partners, we will never know precisely how much of our deficit in goods is due to such trickery. But there can be no question that these barriers are responsible for a significant portion of our current trade imbalance.</p>
<p>China is not a market economy. The Chinese government creates national champions and takes other actions that significantly distort markets. Responding to such actions with trade remedies is not protectionist. In fact, the World Trade Organization specifically permits its members to take action when other countries are subsidizing, dumping and engaging in other unfair trade practices.</p>
<p>
Consistent with WTO rules, the U.S. has since Jan. 20 brought 54 trade-remedy actions—antidumping and countervailing duty investigations—compared with 40 brought during the same period last year. The U.S. currently has 403 outstanding orders against 42 countries.</p>
<p>But unfortunately, in its annual reports, the WTO consistently casts the increase of trade enforcement cases as evidence of protectionism by the countries lodging the complaints. Apparently, the possibility never occurs to the WTO that there are more trade cases because there are more trade abuses.</p>
<p>The WTO should protect free and fair trade among nations, not attack those trade remedies necessary to ensure a level playing field. Defending U.S. workers and businesses against this onslaught should not be mislabeled as protectionism. Insisting on fair trade is the best way to ensure the long-term strength of the international trading system.</p>
<p>The Trump administration believes in free and fair trade and will use every available tool to counter the protectionism of those who pledge allegiance to free trade while violating its core principles. The U.S. is working to restore a level playing field, and under President Trump’s leadership, we will do so.</p>
<p>This is a true free-trade agenda.</p>
Tue, 01 Aug 2017 10:32:58 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/opinion-editorials/2017/08/free-trade-two-way-streetSecretary Ross and Secretary Perry Hail New Coal Deal with Ukrainehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/07/secretary-ross-and-secretary-perry-hail-new-coal-deal-ukraine
<p>Today, <strong>U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross </strong>and <strong>U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry</strong> welcomed the announcement from the Government of Ukraine that Ukrainian state-owned power generation company Centrenergo PJSC will purchase American thermal coal ahead of the upcoming winter season. </p>
<p><strong>Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross:</strong></p>
<p>“As promised during the campaign, President Trump is unshackling American energy with each day on the job. This has brought enormous benefit to our nation’s coal communities, and will now also benefit an important international partner. Today’s announcement will allow Ukraine to diversify its energy sources ahead of the coming winter, helping bolster a key strategic partner against regional pressures that seek to undermine U.S. interests. In the past, Russia has tried to choke off opposition to its ambitions by restricting the flow of natural gas to its western neighbors. Under President Trump’s leadership, I look forward to working with Secretary Perry and others in industry and government to further expand American exports in support of our goals of keeping this country safe and promoting robust economic growth.”</p>
<p><strong>Statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry:</strong></p>
<p>“In today’s turbulent world, geopolitical turmoil can create uncertainty for nations without access to an abundance of their own natural resources. No one knows this more than Ukraine. In recent years Kiev and much of Eastern Europe have been reliant on and beholden to Russia to keep the heat on. That changes now. The United States can offer Ukraine an alternative, and today we are pleased to announce that we will. U.S. coal will be a secure and reliable energy source for Centrenergo and its electricity customers. This announcement will also boost our own economy by supporting jobs in the coal and transportation industries. This Administration looks forward to making available even more of our abundant natural resources to allies and partners like Ukraine in the future to promote their own energy security through diversity of supply and source. Partnerships like this are crucial to the path forward to achieve energy dominance.”</p>
<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Pennsylvania based Xcoal Energy and Resources won a contract to supply thermal coal to Ukraine’s state-owned power generation company, Centrenergo PJSC.</li>
<li>This partnership formed in response to Ukraine’s desire to diversify its energy supply which has historically been negatively impacted by the volatility of the governments whom they rely on for energy.</li>
<li>The United States provides Ukraine with a secure, reliable and competitive alternative energy source.</li>
<li>Multiple U.S. government agencies and offices were involved in making this deal a reality including the Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce.</li>
<li>XCoal has stated that it anticipates that shipments of U.S. coal are planned to arrive in Ukraine in late August or early September, just in time to stockpile fuel for the winter heating season.</li>
</ul>
<p>Note: According to a recent EIA report, U.S. coal exports have increased by nearly 60 percent in the first months of the Trump Administration</p>
Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:00:48 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/07/secretary-ross-and-secretary-perry-hail-new-coal-deal-ukraineU.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Antidumping Duty Determination on Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Taiwanhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/07/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-final-antidumping-duty-0
<p>Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced the affirmative final determination in this antidumping duty (AD) investigation, finding that steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan is being sold in the U.S. market at unfair prices.</p>
<p>The Commerce Department determined that exporters from Taiwan have sold steel concrete reinforcing bar in the United States at 3.50 percent to 32.01 percent at less than fair value based on factual evidence provided by the interested parties.</p>
<p>The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan based on these final rates.</p>
<p>“The United States can no longer sit back and watch as its essential industries like steel are destroyed by foreign companies unfairly selling their products in the U.S. markets,” said Secretary Ross. “We will continue to take action on behalf of U.S. industry to defend American businesses, their workers, and our communities adversely impacted by unfair imports.”</p>
<p>In 2016, imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan were valued at an estimated $53 million.</p>
<p>The Rebar Trade Action Coalition filed the case with the Commerce Department on behalf of its individual members:</p>
<ul>
<li>Byer Steel Group, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio</li>
<li>Commercial Metals Co., Irving, Texas</li>
<li>Gerdau Armisteel U.S., Inc., Tampa, Fla.</li>
<li>Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C.</li>
<li>Steel Dynamics, Inc., Pittsboro, Ind.</li>
</ul>
<p>Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through July 21, 2017, Commerce has initiated 54 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 40 percent increase from the previous year. For the same time period in 2016, Commerce had initiated 40 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.</p>
<p>Antidumping laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of dumping unfairly priced products into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 404 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is conducting an investigation to determine whether or not the domestic industry is harmed by imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan. The ITC is currently scheduled to make its final injury determination on or before September 5.</p>
<p>If the ITC makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping order. If the ITC makes a negative final injury determination, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.</p>
<p>Click <a href="http://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-taiwan-steel-concrete-reinforcing-bar-ad-final-072117.pdf">HERE</a> for a fact sheet on today’s decision.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based solely on factual evidence.</p>
<p>Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to AD duties.</p>
<p>In fiscal year 2016, the United States collected $1.5 billion in duties on $14 billion of imported goods found to be underpriced or subsidized by foreign governments.</p>
Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:14:06 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/07/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-final-antidumping-duty-0